How Is A Heart Transformed

Giving: A "GIVING" heart is a generous heart. One which allows us to give to others because God has given abundantly to us. The wise use of stewardship and attitude that what we have belongs to God and knowing we are the caretakers for His purpose. To be like Him, we must open our eyes and hearts to the needs of others along our way and give meaningful service each day. 
#christlikecharacterhearts
A heart like Christ is transformed by Christ.

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which he hath given thee. Deuteronomy 16:17
#giving #christlikecharacterhearts  #heart#valentinesday #migisboutique #shoplocal#willship purchase your "giving" heart at MiGi's boutique today • a portion of proceeds go towards cancer research •

What Movie Should I Watch

Family Movie Night: Megan Leavey • 2017 Drama/Biography The true life story of Megan Leavey, a young Marine corporal whose unique discipline and bond with a military combat dog saved many lives during her deployment in Iraq. 

#pg13 #meganleavey #movienight #murphylodge#longoverdue #goodmovie #familytime#hometheater #madememissmydog

How Messy Is Your Art Studio

My Messy Space: do you remember a few weeks ago I shared with you "my space" tidied up? Well this is what it looks like messy. I wanted you to see the real side of things. This picture was taking yesterday. I took yesterday morning off from the studio to get things in our home done (one of the true perks of my job, flexible, can trade hours at any given moment, to having to be very disciplined). Laundry. Love on my daughters room-something I don't always do because I've always instilled in my girls to be responsible independent individuals. While I do remember how special it was to come home from school on the days my mother did this for me. I want to carry on the tradition creating a safe place for my family to come home. We are all tired. busy. overworked. and you get the picture. Who's space do you need to tidy up? Maybe it's your own, someone in your house, someone who's moved away, or someone you never lived with. I'll pick back up in my studio again soon where I am creating a special "children's" collection I am excited to share with you in the upcoming weeks. In the mean time I am going to embrace the mess! #createasafeplace #youvegottogetmessy #beforethejobcangetdown #cleanuplater #workspace #artstudio #mississippiartist

What Does A Humble Heart Look Like

This year, as I begin creating artwork for Valentines Day. I started, as I always do, by scoping out other Valentine's Day trends. Such as candy, trinkets, clipart, etc. A common process I use in order to gain inspiration before applying paint to a canvas. As I looked at these things, I begin to realize how much emphasis is put towards, kiss me, you're cute, text me, you rock, love me, etc. And I thought, "you know, you don't really see many focusing on the actual heart, heart of Christ." So, I sought out to hear His voice. He spoke over me to use words honoring His character, Christ like character. I was very HUMBLE•ed by this. He would choose my art to shine His light. In a way others can honor themselves or someone in their life who exemplifies Christ like character. I hand selected 6 Christ like characters; humble, kind, giving, honest, pure and wise. I am certain He wants us to utilize these recognizing His character this Valentine's.

Today's Christ like character heart is "humble".

Visit MiGi's to see this treasure. Take a picture of it. Share with friends. Post it on Snapchat. Instagram stories. Any social media. Purchase it. Keep it. Give as a gift.

•Humble Christians•
strive to be like Jesus
studies God's word
study the life of Christ
empty their thoughts of self
do not need a strong dose of reality because they see themselves as they really are
thinks better of others than their self
see their heart as He sees it, through bible study & prayer
work on strengthening their weaknesses
think the best in others
thinking only of others positive attributes
think of others potential for God
forever thinking how poor he is and how much more he needs to become.
magnifies Jesus Christ
think of the joy of giving his treasures back to the One who is perfect in all things
has God’s perspective on material things. It all belongs to God and biblical stewardship dominants the humble life. A proud man adores his material possessions in a manner, look what I got!
will wash the feet of others. There is no job too low for the servant.
not impressed with the rich man
runs to the hurting

Take notice, there is the path of pride and there is the path of humility. When we walk in the Spirit, we are walking on the right path.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” – Phil. 2:5-8

#migisboutique #christlikecharacterhearts#valentinesday2018 #shoplocal #willship#mississippiartist

• a portion of proceeds go towards cancer research •

What Music Should I Listen To

How was your day? I spent mine jumping in without an end result in sight. Layers. Glue. Pieces. Paper. Silence. Music. Open mind. Serenity. 

#judithmarch #hat #artstudio#workspace #worshipmusic #francescabattistelli 
#iheartradio #tellmeaboutyourday

How To Help My Dry Skin

Look at this: my mom gave me this jar of repair cream in my Christmas happy box this year. Y'all it's amazing. You know the week we had the winter storm of 2018. My skin was so dry from the heat constantly running and countless blazing hot showers. I decided to try the repair cream. It was like heaven. My skin came back to life. No joke. 

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream - 14 oz Supersize
Allergy-Tested*Fragrance Free
Safe For Sensitive Skin
No Parabens, Harsh Chemicals or Colorants

Get yours today! You can order from Amazon PRIME http://amzn.to/2DtHtrJ (affiliate link - I may earn a small percentage if you purchase using the link at no additional cost to you)

#repaircream #sensitiveskin #hydrate

How Honest Should I Be

Honest: we tend to think of being honest as, trusting a person not to steal our material possessions or our money. The Lord wants us to go deeper. He wants us to see honesty as something bigger. If we aren't honest how our jobs, life, etc are going we rob ourselves and those around us. We rob ourselves of opportunities to grow emotionally, physically and spiritually.

Here's my honest story.
I want to be very transparent with you about something. You see me on social media or even in real life showing up as an artist. An artist who's written books, photographed weddings and my latest adventure selling artwork in a local boutique. My vulnerability comes from a place I'd like others to understand, one of those three made me the most money. It's was a trial run of 10 years venturing out to capture couples special moments on their wedding day. Meeting lots of people and growing spiritually along the way. The other two writing books and creating artwork hasn't been my most productful income avenues. Being honest here. Honest with myself. Honest with others. Yet, I know I've heard Him correctly call me into these places to use my time, resources, knowledge, and talents. I share this to help make a connection as your sister in Christ. Don't give up. All of our years might not finically be productful but He is still at work in our lives and the lives around us. Each day is a new piece of our journey which is building our life legacy. Our life legacy will be the inspiration or encouragement someone needs in 10 minutes, 10 years from now or 10 years from the moment you depart from this place we call earth. What you are doing now matters. You matter. In those dry moments like I spoke of which do not bring in the most revenue, the Lord still wants to minster to your soul and the souls around you. Trust. Believe. Listen. Speak up. Show up. Keep pressing forward. Don't stand in the "well I don't see the result I selfishly think I should. So I'll just go lay on the couch watching Netflix." Wrong. Now there is a time to take a break. I am not saying stopping often for enjoyable entertainment isn't necessary. Because in those moments of rest He is ministering to our souls to prepare us for the hustle. Are you a hustler? Are you honest?

Being honest is one character trait of becoming, growing in building Christ like character. None of us will ever be fully grown here on earth. Continue seeking honesty for growth.

Do you know of someone who examples honesty? Your Spouse. College student. Elementary student. Child. Teacher. Coworker. Parent. Friend. Honor this character trait. Tell them you see this in them. Write a note. Leave a sticky on their desk. Text them. Give them an "honest" Christ like character heart, shown in picture, for Valentines Day this year. Stop by MiGi's today to inquire about this beauty.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Proverbs 3:27

Are you holding off telling someone something?
#behonest #honest #honestheart#christlikecharacter #valentinesday #migis
• a portion of proceeds go towards cancer research •

Should I Teach My Kids To Do The Laundry

Doing Laundry: a teaching tool for in this life there will be things we don't always want to be doing. It's about where we start. When we celebrate the truth by saying thank you for these clothes, the job which ables us to purchase clothes and the precious bodies in which fill the inside of the clothing. Life is busy. I get it! Let Him take over. Worship. Turn on positive encouraging music. Lift up what we are fighting against and be reminded doing laundry is the start of something good. He is working on us through the process. Because we are all unfinished. Much like our laundry always is. 

If i haven't taught my children anything else in life it's been to do the laundry regardless. I want them to experience the process of doing things in life we don't always want to be doing but if we seek to do them we find victory through the process. #growth

Be reminded our children are watching how we do the laundry. How we handle the frustration of not really wanting to do something.

Be reminded our children should also be helping with the laundry, not as a chore, but a beautiful life lesson.

I am thankful for the laundry my family conquered today!

Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” John 13:7 

#laundry #momlife #lifelessons#teachablemoments #idontlikelaundry#idontliketodolaundry #encouragement #john137

How Can Today Be A Better Day

Two Is Better Than One: speak truth over your day. Claim today to be the better day of the two snow/ice days. If you are home with kids get in the floor, play and say the heck with routine. For one day the kids will be grown and gone. To all, challenge yourself to brace another day stuck at home/work. This snow/ice didn't land in the wrong place by mistake. Praises for it's landing to strengthen our tolerance and patience. He's using today as patchwork for future days. #winterstorm2018
#bekindtoyourself #embrace #breathedeep#claimit
"Today's going to be a good day."
#teachablemomentsforoursoul
Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:23
*Can I get all the "stay home mommas" in the house...yesterday was just another day wasn't it!!!! Another unpredictable change in schedule like our already non existing routine life. For once we were on a normal routine. 

Can I get an Amen ? #stayhomemomlife #workfromhomelife

10 Ways To Break Free Of Boredom

The Struggle Is Real: I know. Boredom. One must choose to pull a rope breaking the cycle. 
10 Ways To Break Free Of Boredom
1. FaceTime someone
2. Take down the Christmas tree
3. Ride a zip line
4. Cook
5. Watch a tv series
6. Feed the birds
7. Ride down the street
8. Work on an unfinished project
9. Exercise
10. Pull something old out and put to use
#boredom #itsachoice #breekfree #snowday#schoolsclosed #enjoyyourtime #thankful#happyfaces #shine #winterstorm2018 #zipline

Are you looking at the bigger picture

Something Bigger: Recently, I sensed the calling to help provide shoes for a family in need. The family is collecting shoes as part of their adoption funding process. One may wonder, "How will 10,000 pair of shoes produce a baby?" "Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.” Mark 8:35 When we show up, because we've been called to serve, we fully experience His goodness through the process. There is a found freedom in living for something bigger than self, living for His purpose. Not in questioning the process and not in never giving. Although, I do believe He wants us to ask questions to further our knowledge so we can then share the good news. I quickly realized, He wasn't just calling me to give. He was also calling others in my life. "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 I can only image the conversations among each ones walls of their homes as they too helped gather shoes. My prayer is the growth you experience is truly newness, a fresh start to cleaning out your space of unneeded items, while serving our good, good Father. I was reminded through this process, He provides grace to protect us from the confines of our self-focused world and frees us to live the eternal purpose and delights of His Kingdom. I am thankful for your giving hearts. As I know, the May's are amazed at His work through this entire process. 

I delivered our gathered shoes to the May family Friday.

 #godgiving #allforhim #greaterthenthyself#serving #giving  #apartofsomethingbig#wearecalled #shoesforbabymay #thankyou#angelbins #recycling #fundraising

What's He calling you to be apart of?
Anyone looking to learn more about the May's journey please like their Facebook page, Shoe Drive To Bring Home Baby May. The companying the Mays are partnering with is called Angel Bins, @angel_bins_fundraising . A recycling, fundraising organization located in Los Angeles, CA. Use #angelbins and you can see others who are hosting their own drives for school fundraising, cancer related fundraising etc. Maybe you're being called to start your own fundraiser. 

Why is my soul thirsty

Our Souls Are Thirsty: this afternoon for less then 5 minutes I stood playing in the sun. I wanted to capture a picture for those who missed seeing it. I walked out to get something out of my car and there it was. The. Sun. I felt the warmth wrap around my body as I've been longing to see the sun for days. In those moments, I was reminded just as much as we long for the sun to touch our bodies, our souls long to be touched by God. "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God." Psalm 42:2

reminder: He is everywhere-day and night, He knows your thoughts and hears your heartbeat, you must earnestly seek Him and you will find Him, the thirst in your soul is one only He can quench. #sinceresearcher No one can find Him for you. #openyourheart #isawthesun#encouragement #fillmysoulup #ineedarefill

(The quench in our soul when not filled by the living God is often filled with unhealthy negative things such as drugs, alcohol, lies, pornography, money, material possessions, etc. If you or someone you know struggles with these, or you may just be simply tired and worn out-need a refill, claim His goodness over yours or their life right now. All you have to do is whisper it. "Please fill me up with Your Spirit." If you said it for someone else you can share it with them or keep to yourself, He knows. Start fresh to all.)

Suggestion: Listen to, He Lives by Alan Jackson

What is the best part of my job

The Best Part Of My Job: walking in like a business woman. #walkingin @migisboutique #valentinesday #dropoff these will not last, go check them out and see whats really in the bottom of the basket #christlikecharacterhearts#remoteworking #artistlife #xo #love#getyourstoday #boutique #newyear#businesswoman

How to cope with Empty Nest

One Day Your Nest Will Be Empty: for most it happens gradually. Those small moments, going to grandparents, camp or a friends house, the Lord uses building up to the bigger moments. Such as a school age child or a college student returning to class after a long holiday break and one day on to marriage. Regardless the transition of any kind is hard. Because we as parents strive for a long time actively parenting. When the nest of loneliness sets in one must walk through the natural process. It's unavoidable. There's no pretending it's not happening. Acceptance of the new that's coming is of value. It's okay. Embrace it. Newness is right around the corner of growth for all. We must release! Let go. So everyone can be free. Fly.

The biggest thing to remember is the child is in transition too. One doesn't stop being a parent. Regardless. Loneliness is a trap of the devils. He wants you to think it's over, you are not needed and you are done. I am here to tell you we are not done. Mommas never stop being mommas. Dads never stop being dads. Kids never stop being kids. No matter the age. No matter where one lives. All must be treated and valued with utmost respect. #emptynest

What is the best gift

A Gift More Precious Than Gold: the gift of eternal life. Have you accepted Jesus into your heart? Think about that for a second, think about the people you come across in your daily life who may or may not be really saved. We can walk the streets of everyday life assuming people around us are saved. Being mindful our Christ like actions touch those around us. The unsaved might not jump to our presence, jump to our actions but He still uses us as part of their testimony. You know how you can't rush a baby to walk. You can't rush someone's salvation. Patients. Persistence. Head up. Aware. Be the light. We are His messengers. Think outside your box today. Speak to those around you. Smile. Wave. Let someone out in traffic. Pay for someone's meal. Check on a neighbor. Send a hello text. Place a card in the mail. Not everyone has family. Not everyone has a friend tribe. 
#servants #christservants #weareone

Who are you here to please

Who Do You Please: it's easy to try fitting in a square of perfection. Until all the lines don't match and you begin realizing the hearts of people around you aren't perfectly matching either. What a let down. A let down in ourselves and others. Here's the thing, we are not called to stay down. We are not called to be defeated. We are not called to perfection. Let the lines cross, let the spaces be unequal, and the hearts unmatchable. 

Who are you here to please? #notothers #notself#Christ 
So you ask what does this look like?
1. You show up
2. Be a servant of Christ
3. You will not care what others think
We can't do both, people pleasing and be a servant. 
#galatians110

How can I be helpful to the world

The world needs our ears, more than our mouth. Listen. Lean in. Be there. 

#leanonme #listen #beavailable #slowtoadvise

5 Easy Ways to Create Sunshine

Create Sunshine: it's common to believe the world seems dark, like a mix bag of rummage. Today, I am here to share, we all have the authority to pick up the papers and take out the trash. We have the authority to go from sun-dried to sunshine. When we do this it overflows in the lives of those around us. Rise up. Shine.
You matter. Your shine matters.
Let's light the world together.
5 Easy Ways to Create Sunshine
1. Place a bright flower on your desk.
2. Get up and move; walk, run, dance
3. Listen to uplifting funky music
4. Leave a handwritten note
5. Smile at someone
#happy #sunshine #authority

Should I buy a instapot

Here's The Truth: this is not a time machine. It slightly resembles a small version of a machine my grandmother cooked ceramics in when I was growing up. People these days call it an "instapot". I am here to inform you, it's not insta. You still buy groceries, look for recipes, meal prep, heat the machine up, cook, simmer down, eat and clean up. Insta to me is, you hit one button and a plate of warm food comes out in a matter of seconds and you eat. End of story. This pot requires basically you do all the same things to prepare a meal, just at a different hour in a different amount of time. I hope this doesn't ruin your dreams of owning one of these pots. My husband gifted me this pot. For that, I am grateful. I've cooked bake potatoes, turkey loin, broccoli, red beans and rice, cabbage, and salmon. I'll keep my crockpot handy though. So, that's the truth and I am sticking to it. My hope is you find this helpful and encouraging as you ponder the "pot"! #itsnotallcookeduptobe#youstillcook #youstillclean #foodisgood#instapot #electricpressurecooker #cuisinart#ilovemyhusband

How to Create a Home Art Studio

My Space: an art studio created in my home years ago when my children were young. I dreamed this space to look different, be in a different location & different things to take place in it. Today, I share with you, it's a place where I've learned a lot about myself, what to let go of & what to embrace-like my handwriting. Make messes. Be authentic. & clean up before the next go around. It's a safe space in my daily life I can be just me. Since I was a child, all I wanted was to be was an artist. Life caught up with me years ago: school, work, marriage, kid, college, loss of my father, cancer, etc. I almost forgot "what I want to be when I grow up". Thankfully, the Lord opened a door for me & my family 14 years ago. A new job from home awaited me. One to raise my kids, be a homemaker. One I didn't want. It wasn't me, my personality. I really wanted to throat punch everyone around as I walked through the job transition. It was a time of loss, loosing one job to gain another. A lonely job at that. Isolation. No community. One where my only coworker was a dog, kids & by night we were a family when dad got home. The Lord used this time, this space to heal me & transform me of places I'd been & the person I was becoming. The biggest thing I get often, is "you are so creative"! I am truly convinced if we all went forward whole heartily towards the thing we "want to do when we grow up", we'd all create a space for it, regardless what it looked like or where it was at. & the people around would say, "you are so...". Have you experienced a loss-job, spouse, parent, marriage, money, etc.? Are you lonely? Create a space to be you. This may require effort, time, thought, space, letting go & may only be on a piece of paper with lines and a pen. Let it out. Be you. The biggest thing is, show up! Tidy your space up. Start fresh with what you have. Do your thing. Be the person God created you to be. Say yes! Saying yes to one thing may get you a whole lot more of something you were once distracted from. I am thankful I said yes! Yes to letting go! Yes to a new job! Yes to creating a new space! All to which got me to where I am now, being an artist! #showup#startfresh #shine

Happy New Year 2018

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:18-19 I personally am not looking back at 2017, not even for a second, I do not wish to ponder over my best or worst. Moving forward into a new year with no strings attached of the former year makes for an amazing thought process. A clean slate awaits all of us. My prayer is freshness covers our whole life! 

Happy New Year 2018! SHINE 

#lovebig #smile #shine#makesomeonesday #dontholdback #forgive#listen #beavailable #happynewyear